Coast Guard Beach sits on Cape Cod's outer arm within the Cape Cod National Seashore—a powerful, exposed beach break that catches every swell moving through the region. The wave is consistent and often uncrowded, but the elephant in the water is the great white shark population that has returned to these waters in recent years. Seal colonies have brought the sharks back, and surfers must weigh the quality waves against the very real risk. For those comfortable with the situation, Coast Guard Beach offers some of New England's best surf in a dramatic, dune-backed setting.
Water temp
13°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
4/10
👥 Spring Break (Mar 14 – Mar 22) — expect extra crowds
Access: National Seashore. Summer shuttle required.
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Fall hurricanes and winter storms.
🦞 Boston's surf spot • Northeast-facing • Cold water dedication
🏛️ New England legend • Mansion backdrop • Needs size
🌊 Ocean State's surf hub • South-facing quality • Rhode Island tradition
🏔️ NH's only surf spot • 18 miles of coast • Granite State grit
👑 East Coast crown jewel • Catches everything • The End of Long Island
🗽 NYC escape • End of Long Island • Hurricane season gold